This time of year Dan Mullen is used to balancing both recruiting and bowl game preparations.

But with Mississippi State denied a bowl opportunity by inches Mullen has only had to concentrate in one area and picked up four instate commitments following their 41-27 win over Ole Miss to wrap up the season.

"I'd rather be practicing," Mullen said. "This time next year we will be practicing."

Mullen can't help but be eager to begin his second year on the job but that will not start until January when the players will begin arriving back in January along with newcomers Vick Ballard, James Carmon and Blaine Clausell.

"Our guys are all going home for break right now and left with a great attitude," Mullen said. "Obviously winning the last game of the season boosts us into what we are hoping is going to be a great offseason for us. I think you get the boost from that last game and they are going to be anxious to get back and start training."